Project Buyer

About the role

At AKG, we believe great people build great products. We are looking for dependable, safety-focused team members who want to grow their skills and be part of a company that values teamwork, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement. If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and working with precision equipment in a manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply. We will train you.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Supplier Development & Industry Engagement
  • Identify, evaluate, develop, and onboard suppliers capable of supporting current and future business opportunities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, industry organizations, customers, and strategic business partners.
  • Partner with Commodity Managers to leverage existing suppliers while identifying and developing new suppliers when project requirements exceed current supply chain capabilities.
  • Attend trade shows, exhibitions, supplier conferences, customer events, and industry networking opportunities.
  • Identify new suppliers, technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and market opportunities that strengthen AKG's competitive position.
  • Develop and maintain a network of suppliers capable of supporting future customer programs before project requirements arise.
• Project Procurement Management
  • Lead procurement-related activities for assigned projects from project award through production launch and customer acceptance.
  • Develop and maintain project procurement plans, supplier action lists, sourcing plans, and risk mitigation activities.
  • Coordinate supplier deliverables, timing requirements, approvals, documentation, and project milestones.
  • Monitor supplier readiness throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Support prototype, validation, pre-production, first article, and production launch activities.
  • Ensure supplier activities support project schedules and customer commitments.
  • Support engineering change implementation and supplier coordination activities.
• Customer Requirements, Compliance & Documentation
  • Review customer specifications and ensure supplier-related requirements are understood and implemented throughout the supply chain.
  • Coordinate supplier compliance with customer-specific requirements.
  • Support activities related to: PPAP submissions, First Article Inspection (FAI), Material and Process certifications, Traceability requirements, Supplier qualifications, Customer documentation requirements.
  • Support supplier audits, customer audits, project reviews, and compliance activities.
• Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Identify supply chain risks during quotation, development, sourcing, and project execution phases.
  • Develop mitigation plans and support recovery activities when risks arise.
  • Support supplier diversification and second-source initiatives.
  • Monitor industry trends, customer expectations, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies.
  • Develop market intelligence related to suppliers, technologies, manufacturing capabilities, and industry requirements.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve sourcing effectiveness, supplier performance, project execution, and overall competitiveness.

Requirements

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Project Management, Engineering, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field.
  • Experience managing suppliers, sourcing activities, and cross-functional projects within a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience supporting customer-driven projects preferred.
  • Experience within Railway, Defense, Aerospace, Energy, Automotive, Heavy Equipment, or other regulated industries preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong sourcing, supplier management, negotiation, and commercial evaluation skills.
  • Experience leading RFX activities and supplier selection processes.
  • Ability to evaluate supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, quality systems, and project risks.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, customer requirements, and project documentation.
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain teams.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Shift differential opportunities
• GREAT Medical, dental, and vision benefits the first of the month after 30 days
• Company Paid Life Insurance, STD insurance and LTD insurance
• PTO and paid holidays
• 401(k) with amazing company match
• Training and advancement opportunities
• Stable manufacturing environment
• Employee recognition programs
• Team-oriented culture focused on safety and respect